British Victory in Egypt, 1801

Book excerpt: In 1800 the British Army was the laughing-stock of Europe. A year later, after forty years of failure, its honour and reputation had been redeemed. British Victory in Egypt, 1801 recounts and analyses the story of the expeditionary force that ejected Bonaparte's crack troops from Egypt. Piers Mackesy shows how the future of the British Empire depended on the dislodging of the Napoleonic force in the Middle East. Outlining the daring assault and the masterly planning and discipline that brought victory against the odds, this book also reveals how vital Sir Ralph Abercromby, an elderly Scot and leader of the army, was to the final success of the venture. The part played in the victory by the Highland regiments is still celebrated in Scotland. British Victory In Egypt, 1801 charts a critical episode in European and military history. It also reveals the training, tactics and strategy of a unique campaign and its executors.